At The Culinary Vegetable Institute, we believe that ingredients should tell a story, and The Chef’s Garden Lemon Verbena is a perfect example. This aromatic herb, aptly named, offers a bright, citrusy fragrance that evokes a range of familiar flavors—some say Fruit Loops, others lemongrass, and some compare it to fresh lemon peel. Whatever the association, one thing is certain: Lemon Verbena brings a unique and irreplaceable depth to dishes and drinks alike. Whether featured at the bar, in banquets, or within fine dining, this ingredient has an ability to elevate.
At the Bar: The Woodsman
A drink should be more than a combination of flavors—it should tell a story. The Woodsman cocktail is inspired by a quiet, solitary figure, a man who thrives in nature yet knows how to navigate social settings. Dressed in well-worn yet durable fabrics, he follows a routine that connects him deeply to his surroundings.
As he returns from his daily walk through the woods, he makes his ritualistic cocktail: a well-cut chunk of ice, a splash of last year’s walnut liqueur, freshly gathered wild verbena, this morning’s tea, honey straight from the hive, and a few measured ounces of well-aged bourbon. The result? A drink that’s complex, aromatic, and deeply rooted in tradition—just like the woodsman himself. Served alongside chewy bread and thinly sliced preserved duck, it’s a moment of reflection before dinner.
At Banquets: A Study in Verbena
Lemon Verbena, like most herbs, carries both fat-soluble and water-soluble aromatic compounds. Understanding this allows us to extract its full potential in a dish.
For banquets, we take a multi-faceted approach:
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Verbena Custard—rich, creamy, and infused with delicate citrus notes.
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Verbena Gel—offering a bright, tart contrast.
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Verbena Powder—a fine dusting that enhances the aromatic experience.
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Citrus Cake—a perfect canvas to highlight the herb’s depth.
By incorporating Lemon Verbena in different forms, we ensure a layered, complete expression of its flavor, making it a centerpiece of the dessert experience.
In Fine Dining: Subtle Elegance
A simple yet refined dessert pairing: Rice Pudding, Strawberry Sorbet, and Lemon Verbena. The creamy, comforting texture of the rice pudding plays against the bright, refreshing strawberry sorbet. The final touch? Lemon Verbena, bridging the gap between the two with its fragrant citrus lift, tying the dish together in a way that feels both effortless and intentional.
The Essence of Lemon Verbena
From bar creations to banquet menus and fine dining, The Chef’s Garden Lemon Verbena is a versatile and indispensable ingredient. Whether infused, powdered, steeped, or blended, its vibrant aroma and complex profile make it a chef’s secret weapon. And at The Culinary Vegetable Institute, we’ll always say: Yes, more Lemon Verbena, please.
